Sports: Cycling - Mountain Bike

Located in the Essex countryside on land owned by the Salvation Army, Hadleigh Farm is a 550-acre site that features beautiful grassland and woodland. It also includes the surrounding countryside of Hadleigh Castle Country Park.

Hadleigh Farm offers some fantastic terrain for mountain biking, with gradients measuring 70 metres from top to bottom.

The design and build

Construction work began on the London 2012 Mountain Bike course in July 2010 and was completed on time and within budget in March 2011. In total, 500 tonnes of rock and 3,500 tonnes of crushed stone were used in its creation.

The five kilometre circuit is situated on open hillside – a new concept for Mountain Bike events, which are typically held in forested areas.

The course has been specially designed to provide a physical and technical challenge for the world's leading riders, with plenty of demanding climbs and descents. Specific features include Snake Hill, The Rock Garden and Deane's Drop.

After the Games

Essex County Council and The Salvation Army are committed to delivering a lasting legacy at Hadleigh Farm following the London 2012 Games.

Legacy proposals are being developed that ensure the needs of both the local community and the wider area are met.